Michele Filecia , LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Michele Filecia

Michele Filecia

(she/her)

LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual

Frequently rebooked

New clients continue care with this provider

As a social worker, I have a compassionate approach when working with helping clients. I help clients navigate their personal struggles while uncovering their strengths. My experience with community health, multiple years working in education and supporting different age groups has provided me with different approaches in meeting clients’ needs. I have a natural ability to connect with clients, creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard and valued. With this knowledge and understanding I help clients see their difficulties not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I also provide a space that is non-judgmental and empathetic, which helps foster dialogue and healing. My ability to listen deeply and provide support helps clients tap into their inner strength, giving them the tools to face life’s challenges with confidence. I can inspire resilience by validating their experiences while showing them they possess the power to overcome and thrive. My support is a crucial factor in helping clients build a solid foundation of self-awareness and coping skills, leading to lasting positive change in their lives.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, my clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere. I will focus on creating a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences at their own pace. The session would primarily be about getting to know them—understanding their current struggles, background, and what brought them to seek help. I will ask open-ended questions to explore their goals for therapy or support, as well as their personal strengths and challenges. This initial session would also involve discussing how we can work together, establishing clear expectations, and outlining the steps we might take moving forward. I focus on building trust and rapport while assuring them that this is a collaborative process, emphasizing that they are in control of their journey. Clients would leave the session feeling heard and understood, with a sense of hope that they have a partner in their corner to help them navigate the challenges ahead.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, my greatest strengths would include my deep empathy, lived experience, and ability to create a supportive and non-judgmental space for clients. My personal understanding of overcoming challenges enables me to genuinely connect with individuals facing their own struggles. This makes me especially attuned to the needs of clients who may feel misunderstood or unsupported. I also excel in listening with patience and compassion, allowing clients to feel truly heard. This strength helps build trust and fosters a safe environment where clients can open up without fear of judgment. Additionally, my resilience and positive outlook would inspire hope in my clients, showing them that growth and healing are possible, even when things feel overwhelming. My ability to help clients recognize their own strengths and develop practical coping strategies also stands out. By empowering them to see their potential and build resilience, I give clients the tools to navigate their challenges and achieve their personal goals.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve clients who are experiencing challenges related to learning, mental health, relationships and life transitions. I can offer unique insight and empathy to clients who struggle with mental health or feel misunderstood. I am also well-suited to serve clients who may feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or life transitions, particularly young adults or adolescents navigating complex emotions, identity issues, or family dynamics. My calm, patient approach creates a safe space for clients who need someone to listen without judgment, and my ability to help them recognize their strengths could give them the confidence to build resilience. Moreover, I am especially impactful with clients who need support with practical coping strategies, such as managing ADHD, improving self-esteem, or finding balance in stressful environments. My ability to provide structure, support, and encouragement helps clients build sustainable coping mechanisms and develop long-term resilience.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT can help individuals gain better control over their emotions, improve their coping strategies, and break negative thought cycles. If certain thoughts are driving anxiety or fear, you can test these thoughts with different strategies.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior-change strategies to help individuals live more meaningful and value-driven lives.

Eclectic

During sessions focus on a wide range of therapeutic techniques and theories to tailor it to the needs of each client. Rather than adhering to one specific type of therapy, this approach will combine components from various therapeutic modalities based on what is most effective for the individual, i.e., strengths, mindfulness, CBT etc.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Assist clients with mindfulness practices, such as mindful breathing, body scans, or mindful observation, to help them ground themselves in the present moment. These exercises can be useful for managing stress, anxiety, and intense emotions.

Strength-Based

In sessions focus on individual’s existing strengths, such as coping mechanisms, problem-solving abilities, personal values, talents, and past successes, rather than concentrating on deficits or past failures.

Michele Filecia , LCSW